Türkiye Secures First Export Deal for Two MILGEM Istif Frigates with Indonesia

In a major boost to Türkiye’s defense exports, TAIS Shipyards has signed a landmark agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence to supply two advanced MILGEM Istif-class frigates. The announcement was made on July 26, 2025, at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, marking Türkiye’s first-ever export of MILGEM-class warships to a Southeast Asian nation.

The deal was finalized in the presence of Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of Türkiye’s Defense Industries (SSB), and symbolizes a turning point for Turkish naval engineering on the international stage. The two frigates will significantly boost the Indonesian Navy’s capabilities, as Jakarta pursues a broad naval modernization plan in response to rising maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Istif-class represents the latest generation in Türkiye’s indigenous MILGEM (National Ship) program, a long-term project that began in the early 2000s. Unlike the earlier ADA-class corvettes, the Istif-class brings enhanced size, range, and firepower, making it suitable for blue-water operations. Each frigate is approximately 113 meters long, displaces 3,100 tons, and is powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, ensuring both high speed and endurance.

These multi-role ships are equipped with a 16-cell MIDLAS vertical launch system, compatible with HISAR air defense missiles, Atmaca anti-ship missiles, and a variety of advanced sensor systems including a national AESA radar, electronic warfare suites, and anti-submarine warfare gear like a hull-mounted sonar, towed array sonar, and a flight deck for S-70B Seahawk helicopters.

The lead ship of this class, TCG Istanbul (F-515), began sea trials in 2023 and serves as the blueprint for the frigates being delivered to Indonesia. The builder, TAIS Shipyards, is a powerhouse in Turkish naval construction, consisting of Anadolu, Sedef, and Sefine Shipyards. Earlier this year, TAIS demonstrated its industrial strength by launching two Istif-class frigates simultaneously for the Turkish Navy.

Indonesia’s choice of the Istif-class reflects a growing confidence in Türkiye’s naval technology and opens the door to industrial cooperation and potential technology transfer—key goals for Jakarta as it seeks to strengthen its domestic shipbuilding sector.

This export is part of Türkiye’s broader push to become a global supplier of advanced naval platforms. In recent years, Turkish shipbuilders have delivered or started work on warships for several nations, including Pakistan, Ukraine, and now Indonesia, while also exploring markets in North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

The Indonesia-Türkiye frigate deal not only strengthens bilateral defense ties but also underlines Türkiye’s emergence as a serious player in the global maritime defense industry. With continued state support and investments in homegrown technologies, Türkiye is increasingly seen as a competitive and reliable partner in the world of modern warship exports.